Whether you’re looking to groove in the sun at an outdoor music fest or slow things down at a romantic R&B show, we’ve compiled a list of big concerts coming to town this spring that you won’t want to miss.
FESTIVALS
1. Project Glow Fest and Block Party
The high-energy electronic and dance music festival returns to DC this spring. Three stages will feature heart-thumping performances from more than 50 artists, DJs, and producers over a span of two days. New this year: Fans can party with major electronic dance DJ Chris Lake at a pre-festival block party along Pennsylvania Avenue on April 18 ($89+ for single-day passes, $111+ for block party).
2. Black Coffee
This open-air concert has the vibe of a music festival. After performing in DC in 2021 and 2022, South African DJ Black Coffee once again teams up with party promoters Nu Androids for a house music pop-up at Anthem Row. The Grammy-winning artist will spin soulful beats outdoors between the blocks of Seventh and Ninth along K Street, Northwest. There’s art installations, a 360-degree bar, and space for you to move to the rhythms (sold out but join waitlist for pricing).
3. M3 Rock Festival
M3 Rock Festival has been rocking out for more than 15 years. This year, veteran metal bands such as Queensrÿche, Buckcherry, and Cinderella’s Tom Keifer turn up the volume at Merriweather Post Pavilion ($55+).
4. Del Fest
Cumberland’s family-friendly music festival brings bluegrass singers and musicians together for a multi-day outdoor showcase. Music fans can attend for a day or camp out on the grounds overnight. The Del McCoury Band and the Travelin’ McCourys bring together a packed lineup of talent including fiddler Alison Krauss, rock ensemble Toy Factory Project, and several others. There will also be a kids’ zone, late night concerts, food vendors, and yoga ($29+ for kids, $195 for teens, $83+ for adult single day passes).
CONCERTS
5. Hayley Williams
Paramore’s lead singer Hayley Williams takes the stage solo in promotion of her third project Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. Audiences can connect with the storytelling and honesty of the pop-rock artist as she performs tracks such as “Mirtazapine” (sold out but prices vary for third-party tickets).
6. Lily Allen
The English singer-songwriter arrives at Warner Theatre to promote her acclaimed album West End Girl. The project speaks candidly to her impassioned relationship with Stranger Things actor David Harbour over soul-pop melodies ($345).
7. RAYE
Raye’s song “Where is My Husband!” is a viral sensation on social media. You can catch the genre-blending vocalist live in concert at the Anthem to sing along to more of her trendy records (sold out but prices vary for third-party tickets).
8. Bruno Mars
Megastar Bruno Mars is back on tour after a near-decade hiatus to belt out tunes from his new hip-swaying album The Romantic. Tickets for his two DC concerts are going fast ($194+).
9. Sting
Wolf Trap’s open-air amphitheater Filene Center is a great location to experience the legendary sounds of Sting. The rock-and-roll icon has been serenading audiences since the ’70s, and this spring he will be live in concert alongside bandmates Dominic Miller and Chris Maas for three nights in Vienna ($66+).
10. Bruce Springsteen and E Street Band
Since the Boss wowed longtime fans at Capital One Arena three years ago for nearly three hours, he’s been back to DC for stadium concerts every year. The 76-year-old singer shares the stage with pioneering musicians the E Street Band, transforming Nats Park into a full-on rock venue with songs that transport you back in time ($184+).
11. Ari Lennox
DC’s own R&B star Ari Lennox has a homecoming performance at MGM National Harbor. The two-night show comes after the release of her new album Vacancy, a sensual record featuring nods to the District ($129+).
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
